Kirinyaga woman earns a living carrying 60kg rice bags on her back

The 30-year-old is a common face in Mwea town – where her work involves loading and unloading bags of rice in Mwea rice city, in Kirinyaga County.

“I resorted to carrying bags of rice soon after I dropped out of school in Standard Seven. I have been carrying rice ever since,” said Wanjira who hails from Mathangauta village in Mwea.

“As a child I remember seeing men carrying bags of rice at the rice farms, and I kept wondering why women were not allowed to carry loads. I was only 14 years old at the time,” said Wanjira.

On a good day, Wanjira says she loads over 50 bags of rice on her beck – and makes up to Sh2,000.

“I am able to earn a living from this work and feed my family,” says the mother of three.

“Youths out there keep complaining about unavailability of work… but jobs are out here. You don’t need to choose work. I have been carrying rice bags on my back for six years,” she says.

Adding that: “I am urging the youth to avoid selecting jobs after having an education. There are many informal jobs in places like Mwea.”

Her dedication to work and strength has left many who visit Mwea rice digital city in awe.

“I am a man, and yet I cannot carry a 50 kg bag of rice. This lady carries over 60 kg bags of rice on her back. She is a very strong and hardworking woman,” said Peter Kinyua, a resident of Mwea.

As a parting shot – Wanjira who is a single mother has asked the youth to shun drinking and concentrate on working to improving their life and those of their families.